A fire broke out at a paper packaging mill in the New Mandli industrial area here on Wednesday (July 15) evening, causing extensive damage.

It started around 6.30 p.m. and spread within minutes. Tonnes of paper rolls stored at the factory caught fire suddenly, and the flames engulfed the entire factory premises in a matter of minutes.

Paper rolls, packaging material and other assets worth lakhs of rupees were completely gutted.

Thick smoke enveloped the area around the factory, creating panic among residents. Fortunately, there was no loss of life.

Firefighters, led by Shivamogga District Fire Officer Ashok Kumar, carried out the operation for three and a half hours.

The extent of the damage is yet to be assessed.